While Velskud was in a daze, a large number of guards rushed over.
The one leading the guards was Kuke.
Because of the establishment of the Dragon Slaying Alliance, according to the plan, he would be the commander of the joint army of elves and humans, so he was staying in the palace today to discuss with the elves.
But when he saw the palace on fire, he hurriedly brought people over.
"Velskud, why are you here? What happened?"
"Don't worry, Kuke. A servant accidentally knocked over a candle. Before we knew it, the fire got out of control," Velskud hesitated and then spoke.
"What about the king?"
"His Majesty was startled, but I've already sent him to another chamber to rest," Velskud slowly said. "Perhaps due to the shock today, His Majesty seems to have come to his senses. He just told me he plans to go to the temple to pray for the alliance."
"Phew, that's good then."
Kuke sighed in relief, nodding with a smile.
One could say that Velskud has hidden well over the years, enjoying the king's trust and often relaying the king's orders.
Therefore, Kuke and the others had no suspicions.
With Velskud's cover-up, everything seemed calm. The king's death wouldn't remain hidden forever, but by the time the truth emerged, the alliance might have already returned from slaying the dragon.
The next day, the Dragon Slaying Alliance began its deployment as planned, with a vast joint army of humans and elves setting out from Saint Haven.
This was all a distraction.
And the elite squad led by Geraint, Lin Yi, and Nerwin boarded Barnac's airship, heading for the backyard of the Black Dragon's lair.
It was a dark and windy night.
Lin Yi was resting in his cabin, but he didn't put out the candle. It seemed he was waiting for someone.
He didn't wait long before there was a knock on the cabin door.
"Since we've decided to cooperate, perhaps we should discuss the details of our collaboration," said the visitor, who was Velskud.
Velskud's original plan was to use the power of the Black Dragon's gem to rule the country. Although a bit forceful, he believed he could harness the power of the gem to lead the country to a brighter future.
"If I give you the Black Dragon gem, what can I rely on to become the king? Terramai is very loyal to the king, and even Geraint and the others probably wouldn't stand by."
Velskud expressed his concerns.
"Velskud, sometimes you overcomplicate things," Lin Yi chuckled. "But indeed, Terramai and Kuke can be a bit of a headache. Let's have them fall in this battle."
Lin Yi casually mentioned it as if discussing something trivial.
Both were ambitious men, willing to make hard decisions, especially since neither had any ties to Terramai.
Having witnessed Lin Yi's tactics, Velskud believed that if Lin Yi wanted Terramai to die in battle, it was indeed unlikely for Terramai to survive.
"Velskud, think about it. With the merit and momentum of returning from slaying the dragon, coupled with the military power of tens of thousands of troops and the support of the elves, you would undoubtedly be the new king."
Velskud pondered. If Kuke were to die, he would indeed be the most esteemed figure left in the military.
He could take control of the military power of the Dragon Slaying Alliance.
"What about the elves?"
"Hasn't Nerwin already tacitly agreed?" Lin Yi looked at him quizzically. "Of course, you have to make her some promises. At least during your reign, don't instigate a war with the elves. I believe Nerwin will be more than happy to support you."
"Thank you."
Velskud bowed slightly to Lin Yi, performing a standard knight's salute. This was an ancient gesture, a knight's courtesy to his master.
Lin Yi squinted, realizing that Velskud was indeed clever.
He understood that in this entire plan, Velskud was almost equivalent to being placed on the throne by Lin Yi, and he just needed to reap the benefits.
There's no such thing as free lunch in this world.
Velskud was very clear about what he had to give in return and had no intention of resisting.
At least not until he saw hope of defeating Lin Yi.
Lin Yi patted Velskud on the shoulder, accepting the knight's salute, and left the room. Stretching his back, he found the deck quite lively.
Except for Barnac, who was navigating the airship, Lambert, Karacule, and Argenta were all on deck.
Geraint seemed to be discussing the details of dragon hunting with Nerwin.
Everyone was too anxious to sleep because of the imminent dragon-hunting journey.
Lin Yi paid an old blacksmith with some Quinque. The blacksmith was so excited that he spent all day researching weapons made of this new material, putting his heart and soul into the promised compensation.
This earned Lambert a precious sword, with even a magical gemstone embedded in the hilt.
Hugging his new sword, Lambert spent the whole night awake, polishing the blade until it gleamed.
"If you polish it any more, it'll rust," Barnac said jealousy. "I don't know why the old blacksmith favors you so much, investing so much in you. It's like getting feathers from a miserly rooster."
Lin Yi ignored their bickering.
Perhaps due to the storyline's momentum, after a series of events, Barnac eventually accepted Lambert as his apprentice.
Lin Yi walked straight to the end of the deck. Argenta was leaning against the railing, staring at the bright moon and dark clouds, lost in thought.
The cold wind was strong that night, made even more intense by the airship's speed.
The howling wind constantly ruffled the hood on Argenta's head. Since the team set off, she had been absent-minded.
"What are you thinking about? You seem so lost," Lin Yi approached her.
Hearing this, Argenta realized Lin Yi had approached and bit her lip, not replying.
She was aware of Lin Yi's kindness. In the eyes of the outside world, Lin Yi was a 'kind', 'upright', 'brave', and 'powerful' ranger.
Argenta couldn't find fault with him, but she kept her distance deliberately.
If her identity was exposed, she would become everyone's enemy.
Lin Yi knew all of this but pretended not to.
Argenta was taken aback when she felt a hand grabbing hers. She tried to pull away, but couldn't. Just as she was about to get angry, Lin Yi interrupted her.
"You...!"
"Argenta, I know you must have many secrets that you can't share. I won't ask."
"But I hope you believe that whatever happens, I'll always be on your side."
Lin Yi's voice echoed, "Let me warm your hands; they are too cold."
~~~
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